We love microwaves for their convenience, versatility, and relatively low price-point. Plus today’s countertop microwave can do so much more than warming up leftovers. Heating frozen meals, and making popcorn.
Try steaming veggies, like spaghetti squash and potatoes, crisping bacon, and even making poached eggs. And you’ll get delicious results much faster than from a stove top or oven.
So it’s no surprise that 96 percent of U.S. households own a microwave and over two-thirds of those prefer countertop microwaves.
Whether it’s used for warming up coffee that’s turned cold. Reheating a plate of leftovers. Defrosting frozen food for meal prep, or heating up a quick microwavable meal.
The microwave oven has become one of the most essential and convenient kitchen appliances relied on by home cooks today.
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Microwaves are convenient, easy to use, and, unlike a standard oven. Microwaves don’t need to be preheated. Which helps you conserve energy.
You can even find recipes for some surprising dishes you might not think of cooking in a microwave.
Like Chocolate fudge, Spaghetti, and Seafood.
Modern microwaves are now capable of more features than ever. Featuring settings for convection cooking, grilling, steaming, and more.
They also come in a range of forms and sizes: from small, models designed to sit on a countertop to larger ones that can be mounted over the cooking range or built-in to a wall or cabinetry.
If you’re in the market to buy your first microwave or perhaps your old one is on its last legs. It can be hard to know where to start with all the options available today.
Unlike built-in or over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves do not require any special installation and can easily be moved.
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Even if you have a small kitchen with limited counter space, there are plenty of great compact options.
Also, they are generally more affordable — most of the countertop microwaves we’ve evaluated over the past decade were under $300 and many of our best microwaves in 2020 are under $100.
To test countertop microwaves, we evaluate how well they melt cheese, “bake” potatoes, reheat both a mac and cheese casserole and a dinner plate of meatloaf with sides, defrost a pound of frozen ground beef, and pop popcorn.
We also consider ease of use when it comes to the control panel, positioning the turntable, opening and closing the door, and cleaning.
Are Countertop Microwaves Safe to Use?
If you’ve ever been told not to stare into the microwave while it’s cooking, the concern is likely due to radiation leaking.
You don’t have to worry and here is why: The microwave makes a form of electromagnetic radiation called microwaves that shakes the water molecules in the food, causing them to heat up.
Unlike other forms of harmful radiation, like X-rays, these microwaves aren’t powerful enough to cause damage to cells, but can potentially burn you the same way they heat food.
The FDA regulates microwaves, making sure that radiation does not escape. It is completely sealed and that mesh layer inside the door blocks the waves from getting out.
Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and you’ll be good to go! We’ve come up with our top picks to help you find the best microwave for your space and cooking needs.
Here are the best microwaves.
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Fastest Countertop Microwave
1. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave
Built-In with Inverter Technology
- Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet |
- Power Rating: 1250 watts |
- Dimensions: 14 x 23 7/8 x 19 7/16 inches |
- Turntable Size: 16.5 inches |
- Weight: 37 pounds
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The Panasonic NN-SN966S offers 2.2 cubic feet of interior space and 1,250 watts of power to heat food in less time than much of the competition.
“It offers power levels from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest,” explained one of our testers, “and I found that even using level 5, the microwave is able to heat the food very quickly and evenly.”
Other pluses include the sleek stainless steel appearance and 14 auto cook options. If you frequently use your microwave to cook, steam, or defrost. You’ll appreciate the built-in inverter. Which delivers consistent heating power that won’t leave food rubbery or unevenly heated.
People find the display and controls to be easy enough to use, but a few online reviewers said they experienced button failure for the door after several years. The microwave is also quite large, so it’s not a good choice for small homes.
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Best Overall Countertop Microwave
2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
- Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet |
- Power Rating: 900 watts |
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 18.4 x 15 inches |
- Turntable Size: 12.4 inches |
- Weight: 34.6 pounds
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The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS handles all your basic tasks and balances counter space with a roomy capacity.
Available in either black or silver stainless steel, this countertop microwave has an interior capacity of 1.2 cubic feet while measuring just over 20 inches wide and 17 inches long.
Its 1,100 watts of power can be adjusted with 10 power settings, and customers agree that it cooks food evenly and quickly. The unit also is equipped with sensor cooking and two defrost settings.
Some people found that not all of the pre-set cook modes worked as expected and the microwave defrosted too aggressively for some meats.
Our reviewer found that “the soften/melt presets aren’t exact, either, and I had to take my butter out early.” Still, this Toshiba countertop microwave has a solid reputation for being easy to use and reliable.
Best Family Large Capacity Countertop Microwave
3. GE Profile 2.2-cu ft 1200-Watt Countertop Microwave
- Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet |
- Power Rating: 1200 watts |
- Dimensions: 24 x 13.75 x 19.5 inches |
- Turntable Size: 16 inches |
- Weight: 34 pounds
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This microwave boasts 1200 watts and offers a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet. At 16 inches, the turntable is extra-large (big enough for casseroles, reviewers note), making it a great choice for families.
Reviewers rave that it’s a workhorse, lasting longer than a decade for most. And when it was finally time to replace, many purchased the very same model. This customer loyalty speaks to the appliance’s efficiency and durability.
Features such as inverter defrost technology and a warming oven deliver and maintain consistent heat, and time and power automatically adjust thanks to sensor cooking controls.
The simple stainless steel design works with a variety of kitchen styles and easily matches other appliances.
Some reviewers gripe that the release button can be finicky and that the control panel buttons aren’t the easiest to use, but most were able to overlook those flaws thanks to its other attributes.
Best Value Countertop Microwave
4. Hamilton Beach Digital Countertop Microwave Oven
- Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet |
- Power Rating: 900 watts |
- Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 11.5 inches |
- Turntable Size: 10 inches
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This affordable model is a great option for small spaces. Like dorms and offices, or anyone who doesn’t use a microwave often enough to justify investing in a pricier model.
It’s a countertop microwave with 900-watts of power. A sleek stainless steel design, LED display panel, and one-touch cooking settings. For making a baked potato, popcorn, pizza, a beverage, and frozen dinner, or reheating.
There are also express cook settings for setting the cooking time for 1-6 minutes with the touch of just one button.
It measures in at 11 inches tall, which should easily fit beneath kitchen cabinets with room to spare, and 0.9 cubic feet. Although it’s on the smaller end, our tester was able to easily fit her full-size dinner plates inside.
The Best Smart Countertop Microwave
5. AmazonBasics Microwave- Countertop Microwave
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet |
- Power Rating: 700 watts |
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.1 x 14.1 inches |
- Turntable Size: 10 inches |
- Weight: 21.9 pounds
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This affordable microwave offers 700 watts of power in a small footprint that’s perfect for a small home or apartment.
The black exterior and control panel gives this microwave a standard look that doesn’t reveal just how budget friendly it is.
This model has your typical pre-set cooking functions for foods like pizza and beverages and has an LED display that features a clock and a timer. It even has a child lock to keep curious kids out of trouble.
The best part of this microwave might be its Alexa integration. Use your Echo device to ask Alexa to heat your tea and the microwave will choose the appropriate time and power settings.
Best Compact Countertop Microwave
6. Black + Decker EM720CB7 Digital Countertop Microwave Oven
Best for Small Spaces
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet |
- Power Rating: 700 watts |
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches |
- Turntable Size: 10 inches |
- Weight: 22.5 pounds
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This countertop model from Black + Decker is available in four different sizes, including a 0.7-cubic foot microwave that’s an ideal option for small spaces.
This microwave is one of the tiniest, measuring about 17 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep and 10 inches tall.
Although our product tester’s 11-inch dinner plates didn’t fit inside this microwave, she was surprised the small size didn’t take away from its power.
This microwave has 700-watts of power, which proved plenty for reheating leftovers, making a bag of microwave popcorn, melting butter, and more all in just a couple of minutes.
Our tester especially liked using the Express Heat buttons, which allow you to select a cook time of 1-6 minutes by simply pressing the corresponding number on the keypad.
There are also express cook settings for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate, plus a memory setting where you can program your most-used cooking settings.
Quietest Countertop Microwave
7. Breville the Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave
- Dimensions: 19.1 x 16.4 x 11.5 inches
- Wattage: 900 watts
- Size: 0.9 cubic feet
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We love the thoughtful construction of Breville appliances (like this microwave that is also an air-fryer and a convection oven) — this quiet and attractive microwave is no different.
A mute button turns off all beeps and the soft-close door claims to be 80 percent quieter than most microwaves in the market.
We no longer remind our kids to shut the door to the microwave gently — even when slammed, it automatically catches and closes quietly.
The control panel is large and the slightly raised buttons are easy to press. Instead of a numeric keypad, you get an ergonomic dial that feels like it clicks as it toggles through minutes and seconds quickly.
It features pre-programmed buttons for defrost, reheat, popcorn, beverage, and a food menu that houses the presets for “baked” potatoes, reheating pizza, and defrosting frozen vegetables.
They are coded, so it may take a few tries to remember which code goes with which function. Reviewers love that food heats consistently and evenly.
Features of a Good Countertop Microwave
There may be lots of choices for countertop microwaves that could fit your space and style, but these are the essential features to look for:
- Turntables rotate your food to make sure it heats evenly. Without one, you’d have to stop the cooking cycle midway just to turn your plate around. Some models go side to side. Removable ones are easier to clean.
- The add 30 seconds button may seem trivial, but it makes a huge difference — it allows you to quickly start or add more time without having to press a series of buttons.
- Preset functions are standard these days especially for defrosting (based on either weight or quantity), reheating, and popcorn. More isn’t always better and they tend to be pricier, so look for ones that have what you need.
- Smart sensors adjust the time and power level for you by automatically measuring the heat in your food. It takes the guesswork out figuring out how much longer to heat your food for.
- Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. If you are reheating individual portions of food, defrosting small quantities of vegetables, and making popcorn, a 700 to 900 watt microwave may be sufficient.
Otherwise, you’d want at least 1,000 watts of power. Most packaged frozen meal heating instructions are based on a 1,100 watt microwave. Anything lower would simply take longer to heat through.
Size (noted as cubic feet) matters — you can’t fit an 11-inch dinner plate in our favorite compact countertop microwave pick and if your kitchen is tight on space our top choice for large families may not make sense.
What to Look for When Buying a Countertop Microwave
1. Style
There are four main styles of microwaves, and they’re distinguished by where and how they’re installed.
There are microwaves designed to sit on the countertop, those installed over-the-range (OTR), built-ins that are recessed in a cabinet or wall. Or drawer-style microwaves that are placed into the cabinetry beneath countertops.
2. Size
If you’re looking for an OTR or built-in model, it’s important to choose the proper size for the space. Especially if you’re replacing an existing microwave.
Also, make sure to check that the door has clearance to open. You have more leeway if you’re buying a countertop model. But it’s still important to measure that area in your kitchen.
3. Capacity
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. In general, the more cubic feet, the bigger the microwave.
You’ll find microwaves as small as 0.5 cubic feet to the largest models measuring in at 2 cubic feet or more. Most microwaves are in the 1 to 2-cubic-feet range.
It may be hard to determine if a microwave will meet your needs based on cubic feet alone. A better measurement to pay attention to may be the size of the interior and the turntable.
Ensuring the door opening is high and wide enough to fit the items you microwave most and that the shape and size of the turntable can accommodate your plates will help you pick the right size microwave.
4. Power
A microwave’s power is measured in watts—the higher the wattage, the more power a microwave has and the quicker and more evenly the appliance will cook your food.
Most microwaves available today are equipped with between 500 and 1,000 watts of power. The best option for you depends on how you plan to use the appliance.
Most people prefer a microwave with 700 watts (or more), as these models are still affordable and work great on microwave meals, popcorn, and other small items.
If you’re planning to do heavy-duty cooking in your microwave, you’ll want a model with around 1,000 watts of power.
More powerful microwaves can cook just about anything. From meat mains like meatloaf to vegetable side dishes and even desserts.
5. Preset Cooking Modes
In addition to the standard keys for manually entering time and starting and stopping the microwave. Most models are also equipped with controls for preset cooking times.
These pre-programmed cooking options automatically select power level and cooking time based on what you’re cooking.
You’ll find settings that let you cook items like popcorn, potatoes, frozen vegetables, and more with the touch of one button.
You’ll even find settings for melting butter and chocolate, defrosting frozen items, and reheating pizza.
Consider whether you actually use these features or if you tend to just punch in the time manually. There’s no point in paying for features you don’t use.
6. Cooking Functions
Some microwaves have grilling, steaming, and convection cooking capabilities. Microwaves with these additional cooking functions generally cost more than those without these features.
While not as powerful as a standard propane grill, the grill function on a microwave is designed to sear the outside of food to replicate grilled results.
Convection microwaves use the same technology as their oven counterparts: A fan blows and circulates hot air into the microwave. Helping to cook food faster and more evenly. Convection microwaves can also brown or crisp food, similar to a traditional oven.
7. Sensors
Some microwaves are equipped with sensors that automatically customize cooking time and power level based on how much moisture they detect in the food you’re cooking.
The sensors are designed to help prevent overcooking and uneven cooking so you won’t end up with rubbery overdone or undercooked meat or dishes with cold spots.
8. Venting
Over-the-range microwaves often come with a venting feature that can take the place of a traditional oven hood.
This is beneficial when you’re cooking on the stovetop and want to remove odors or smoke from your kitchen.
There are two types of microwave vent systems: recirculating and external. Recirculating vents simply pull the air up into the appliance.
Run it through a filter to remove impurities, then push it back out into your kitchen. This type of ventilation system is ductless and easier to install. But it doesn’t perform as efficiently as external ventilation.
External vents are connected to ductwork that sucks in air from your kitchen and redirects it to the outside.
These systems do a better job removing heat and odors from your kitchen, but they can be quite pricey to install if your home doesn’t already have ductwork.
9. Turntables
With the exception of drawer-style models, essentially all microwaves come with a turntable. Turntables may be round and rotate in a circle or rectangular and move side-to-side. They’re designed to keep food moving for more even cooking.
Most turntables are removable for easy cleaning and many can be popped into the dishwasher to remove any dried on food stains.
As you shop, consider whether the turntable is large enough to fit your go-to microwave dishes. Dinner plates, and favorite microwavable foods. Large dishes, like casseroles, will likely fit better on a rectangular turntable.
10. Racks
Some microwaves come with removable racks that create shelf storage in the microwave so you can cook multiple things at the same time.
Depending on how much microwave cooking you do or how many people are heating leftovers up at the same time, you might benefit from a model with a rack.
The racks are usually made from wire, similar to the racks in your oven. Just remember that having a rack in the microwave will decrease how much clearance you have for fitting taller items in the microwave.
11. Price
Microwaves vary greatly in price. The cost of a new microwave is determined by the size, style, and features. While you can find small, basic microwaves for under $50, most models are priced in the $100-$500 range.
Specialty microwaves, like built-in and drawer styles and those with convection cooking capabilities, can cost even more. In general, the more power (i.e., wattage) and features a microwave has, the more it will cost.
12. Warranty
Most microwaves are covered by a 1-year limited warranty, with some having extended coverage for the magnetron parts.
Although a solid microwave should last well beyond the 1-year warranty period, it’s a good idea to check the fine print before buying to know exactly what’s covered and for how long.
Most retailers offer extended warranty plans on appliances, including microwaves.
Types of Countertop Microwaves
1. Countertop
Countertop microwaves are some of the most popular models, and there are many options to choose from.
They are quick and easy to install—just plug them in—and you can move them around as needed, making them a top choice for renters.
Countertop microwaves are also a good option if your kitchen isn’t designed to accommodate a mounted or built-in microwave.
The main downside of countertop microwaves is that they take up valuable counter space, which can be frustrating if you have a small kitchen.
Countertop microwaves come in a variety of sizes, and their prices can range from $20 for a cheap model to $600 or more for a large, high-tech version.
2. Over-The-Range
Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are popular in many homes, and as the name suggests, this style is designed to be mounted over your oven.
OTR microwaves don’t take up any room on your counter. Can create a seamless look in your kitchen, and stand in for a range hood or exhaust fan. Helping to remove odors from your kitchen while you cook.
In general, OTR microwaves can cost anywhere from $150 to several hundred dollars.
You may be a bit limited in your choice of OTR microwaves because you’ll need a model that fits snugly above your stove.
Most people also want an appliance that matches their range. And, unfortunately, OTR microwaves are more complicated to install, especially if you haven’t had one before.
In these instances, you may need to hire an electrician, which can drive up the overall cost of your new microwave.
3. Built-In
If you’re a fan of wall ovens, you may also like the look of built-in microwaves, which are designed to be installed flush within a recessed wall cavity or cabinet.
They help save on counter space, but they’re more complicated to install, especially if you didn’t have one previously.
Built-in microwaves are significantly more expensive than other options, with prices usually starting at around $300.
Some countertop microwaves have optional kits that allow them to be installed as a built-in, so that may be a way to save some money.
4. Drawer Microwaves
Drawer microwaves are designed to be installed under your counter. Instead of having a swinging door, they pull out from the cabinetry like a standard drawer.
This style also saves valuable counter space, and many people love that these models don’t have a turntable, making them a cinch to clean.
Individuals with mobility issues often find drawer microwaves easier to reach than OTR options. Most drawer models have child locks so they’re safe to use in homes with small children.
Drawer microwaves are the most complicated to install and are significantly more expensive than other styles. Low-end models cost $800 or $900, and prices can reach up into the thousands for fancier options.
Best Countertop Microwave Brands
1. Panasonic
Panasonic is a trusted name associated with electronics of all types, and you’ll find their microwaves in countertop, built-in, and over-the-range models.
Depending on whether you’re looking for a basic model or one with all the bells and whistles, prices start at just over $100 and go up to close to $1,000.
2. Toshiba
Toshiba is a reputable name when it comes to appliances, offering several countertop microwave models at fairly mid range price points. You’ll find more basic models as well as ones with convection capabilities.
3. Whirlpool
Whirlpool boasts some of the top user ratings among microwaves, thanks to its multi-feature countertop and OTR models.
Most models cost between $200 and $500, but many consider them reliable and worthwhile to invest in.
3. GE
Another common household brand, GE sells a variety of countertop and OTR microwaves, with the most popular models costing $300 or $400.
Maintenance of Countertop Microwave
Only use microwave-safe food storage containers, cookware, and dinnerware for microwave cooking. Not all plastic can be safely microwaved, since toxins can leach out of the plastic and into the food.
Always check labels to make sure your containers are acceptable for microwave use. Metal should never be placed in the microwave since it can spark, creating a fire hazard and damage to the microwave.
Microwaves need to be cleaned regularly since food tends to splatter and create build-up on the microwave walls and tray. Keeping your microwave clean will prevent unwanted odors in your kitchen.
If your microwave has a built-in air ventilation system, it also has a filter that needs to be changed regularly.
These filters accumulate dust and cooking grease and aren’t able to properly ventilate when they become too dirty. It’s recommended to change the filter about twice a year.
Accessories
You may want to purchase some type of microwave splatter cover to save you some cleanup time. These inexpensive covers prevent flying food particles from ending up baked to the inside of your microwave.
FAQs
What does More Wattage mean?
A microwave’s wattage tells you how much power it has, and more wattage means your food will cook faster and more evenly. You’ll typically see microwaves between 500 and 1,200 watts.
Be aware that microwaves with fewer than 700 watts are generally underpowered and add time to the cooking process.
These models are a good option for people limited by a budget, looking to save space, or willing to wait a few extra minutes.
If you want a fully functional microwave to cook meat and vegetables, look for models with 1,000 watts or more.
Why consider a convection microwave?
Convection microwaves circulate hot air to cook the food more evenly—and usually faster—than traditional microwaves.
You can also use this special convection feature to brown or crisp foods in ways that a typical microwave can’t.
How do you Clean a Countertop Microwave?
It’s a good idea to clean your microwave regularly. Even if you clean up spills or splatters as they happen.
To clean the inside, heat a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider will work) for several minutes.
You want the inside to get steamy without the bowl of water to boiling over. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before opening the door.
Then, wipe the inside clean with a paper towel or use an abrasive sponge for any stuck-on food. Remove the turntable and either wash it by hand or in the dishwasher.
The exterior of the microwave. Including door, handle, and control panel. Should also be regularly wiped down to remove fingerprints, everyday grime, and cooking residue.
Use an all-purpose cleaner for the exterior, but spray onto a paper towel or sponge first. Not directly onto the microwave—to avoid it getting into the venting system.
You should not use bleach to clean your microwave.
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